May 12, 2023

Daily Announcements

May 12th, 2023       

Cafeteria Items:
Monday Ali Baba Pizza – $3.00/slice
Tuesday OPA Chicken or Falafel Pita Wrap – $8.00
Wednesday – Ali Baba Pizza – $3.00/slice
Thursday – Bon Sushi (Veggie or California Roll) – $6.00
FridayCLOSED  

New Today

Grads – Please come and double-check the bus list posted outside the office.  We want to make sure everyone is accounted for and we do not want to leave anyone stranded at Willows. 
If you know you are not taking the bus, please come and let us know how you will be getting from Willows to the hotel.  That list is posted as well. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE BUS!

Grads – There will be a grad assembly on Monday during Focus

REG 101: University of Victoria will be in the theatre on Wednesday May 17th during Focus to explain the registration process to any students who have accepted their offer and will be attending UVic next year.  Please come to the theatre as quickly as you can after block E.

 Students are invited to the second annual Canadian Coast Guard Days school event on June 1, 2023! Our school will leave Oak Bay at 10:00am to be back at school by 12:00-12:30pm.  This exciting and interactive event for students and teachers is being held at the Coast Guard Base at 25 Huron Street in James Bay. The event will showcase the various employment opportunities available within the organization – from helicopter operations, vessel tours, search and rescue, aids to navigation, and more!  If you are interested in attending please see Ms. Giesbrecht before the end of May 26th.  

UPCOMING SPRINGBOARDS:
They are one day events offering student to explore different careers, there are 4 coming up Aviation, Shift Energy Solar Power and Tourism and Hospitality.  Please see Ms. Giesbrecht if you are interested in attending any of these Spring Boards

Springboard – Policing with the Victoria Police Department!
On Wednesday, May 31st we are partnering with the Victoria Police to enable 18 of our students to explore and experience Policing through hands-on, scenario-based activities, demonstrations, and discussions with Victoria Police Department members.

  • Grade 11 & 12 students are welcome to apply to participate.
  • Student applications are due in to Ms. Giesbrecht on or before Wednesday, May 24th . Spots are limited so don’t delay!

SD61 is excited to offer an Aviation Springboard! On Friday, May 19th, we are partnering with Viking Air to allow 14 of our students to explore and experience potential Aviation career pathways within the areas of:

  • ​Manufacturing
  • Inspecting
  • Engineering
  • Marketing

This interactive event, targeting grade 10-12 students, will be happening from 9:00am-1:30pm on May 19th’s Pro-D Day.
**Please Note:

  1. Transportation to and from the event is each student’s responsibility.
  2. This Springboard lands on a pro-d day, so students will need to commit to giving up their ‘day off’ to attend

Student applications are due on or before Friday, May 12th.  Please pick up the application from Ms. Giesbrecht in the Career Centre. 

Shift Energy Solar Power is hosting a one day Springboard May 26th for students grades 9-12. This is an opportunity to explore the world of sustainable energy and associated career pathways through presentations, tours, and hands-on activities at Shift Energy Group’s headquarters and a solar energy site at Gorge Pavilion. Seating is limited!  Applications can be picked up in the Career Centre and returned to Ms. Giesbrecht by May 18th .  

Tourism and Hospitality Springboard – June 2nd from 8:45am to 4:00pm at the Laurel Point Inn.  This is an opportunity for students from grade 10-12 to explore the tourism and hospitality industry through hands-on activities and experiences, as well as by hearing from local experts in the tourism industry who will share their advice and guidance on how to peruse a job or career within tourism and hospitality in Victoria.  Pick up and application in the Career Centre and return it to Ms. Giesbrecht by May 26th.  

Adulting 101: Personal Finance for Students Preparing for College & University  –  The Gustavson School of Business at UVic invites students to join a free financial literacy workshop.  The workshop will be delivered on Zoom and there are two dates to choose from:  Wednesday May 17 or Thursday May 18.  To find out more about the session and to register please go to: https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/undergraduate/future/info-sessions-workshops/index.php

The Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship Program will be having an information session on Monday June 5th @ 6:30pm on Zoom. Register for the zoom session at www.rye5020.org  Valued at over $25,000…Room, board, tuition and monthly stipend for one high school calendar year abroad.  Learn more and apply now for Sept. 2024 start.  

Looking for work?  Attend the Work4Youth Job Fair Thursday May 18, 2023 from 3pm – 5pm @ 201-1483 Douglas St.  To register, visit www.work4youth2023.eventbrite.ca

Carpentry Opportunity – Plan A Summer Youth Employment Program provides paid work experience to students interested in a career in carpentry.  Students can earn up to 16 credits towards their high school diploma.  You also receive apprentice training and opportunities for advancement and support towards the cost of tuition in moving forward with your Level 1 technical training.  The program will be offered in July and August.  Applications can be picked up in the Career Centre and are due in to Ms. Giesbrecht no later than 3pm on May 15th

Previous Announcements

Just a reminder to all students who drive to school.  Please be mindful that the parking lots located at the front of the school and the rear of the school, by the gymnasium, are for staff only.  Student parking is adjacent the track, at the end of Goldsmith Ave.  Please also remember to obey speed limits while in the proximity of the school as we have been receiving complaints from our neighbors.  Thank-you!

Volunteering Opportunities

The Recreation Program Coordinator for the James Bay Community School Centre is looking for volunteers. They are holding their annual James Bay Community Picnic on June 7th from 3:30-6:30pm and she is looking both for volunteers to help run our kids’ games and activities and for musical performers. Last year they had between 500-600 community members attend the event which was a fun afternoon of food, music, and activities. Please see Ms. Giesbrecht if you are interested.

Volunteer at Summer Soccer Camps.
The Royal Soccer Club, a registered non-profit community organization, is proud to host their 31st annual popular grassroots summer soccer day camps.  The program is designed to promote personal development, team building and of course, FUN!  Offering full day and morning sessions to all children aged 5 to 13, the program runs all weeks in July and August.  Site details available by clicking here or visiting the Find a Location page on our website at royalsoccerclub.com.   To register or for more information, visit royalsoccerclub.com or call 1-800-427-0536.

Victor School Peer Program is a new opportunity for grade 10-12 students to volunteer to create meaningful relationships with neurodivergent peers. Volunteers would enjoy playing sports/games, reading and creating arts and crafts.  A commitment of one semester for 2 – 8 hours monthly depending on the students’ and Victor Schools’ availability.  School hours are 8:45 – 2:30pm.  They are open to visits 8:30 – 10:00, 10:30 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 2:00 any day of the week.  Please drop by the career center or email Mr. Alexander (salexander@sd61.bc.ca) or Mrs. Giesbrecht (sgiesbrecht@sd61.bc.ca) at Oak Bay High School for more information and to be connected with Victor School.  For complete details on the program please go to: https://oakbaycareercentre.weebly.com/job–volunteer

Island Health’s Step Up Youth Volunteer program is back and recruiting for Fall 2023!

  • This unique program is designed for youth 15-18 years of age who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
  • The program runs from September – April (applicants must turn 15 prior to the start of the program).
  • Commitment is typically one 2-hour shift per week, after school or on weekends (site dependent).
  • The volunteer role is centered on providing social engagement support to patients and residents. Additional duties vary by location.
  • NEW** Volunteers hear from a variety of guest speakers, learn about different careers in healthcare, and may work on small projects together.
  • Application opens April 1st and closes July 15th 2023
  • 4 locations will be available in Victoria for the 2023-24: Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, The Summit Long Term Care, and Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

The application is competitive and involves a 10-15 minute interview. Interview questions are provided ahead of time so students can prepare. We anticipate to have approximately 50-70 new seats open across all Victoria locations for the 2023-2024 year. Step Up Youth will have a booth at SD61’s April 27th Career Fair. For more information click this link. https://www.islandhealth.ca/volunteer-resources/volunteer-opportunities/step-youth-program

Job Opportunities

Engineering For Kids is hiring Assistant and Lead Camp Instructors for our STEM camps (ages 5.5-12).
Our week-long camps are held at recreation centres and schools throughout Greater Victoria.
For more information about the positions:

Cold Comfort is hiring.  They are looking for a part-time to full-time production baker.  $20/hour min. plus tip pool.  Benefits after 3 months.  Baking experience preferred but not required.  Please bring in your cover letter and resume to #2 -1115 North Park Street or email it to: admin@coldcomfor.ca

Exciting news! We’re hiring teens again for our TeenToks Virtual Internship running June 26th – July 28th, 2023.
The rest of the details remain the same. Teens can apply here!  This year, we’re hiring for content creation and marketing internship positions. If you’re a teen or know a teen who is passionate about mental health, has a knack for digital creation, and wants some real-life work experience, then this internship is for you!
To keep it simple and centralized, all of your questions about job descriptions, dates, times, pay rate, eligibility, etc. are answered on the application.  https://teentoks.com/2023-internship/